When and where was your first experience of music / singing?

I have very faint memories of a ‘tiny tots’ singing group my Mum used to run for lots of small children and babies in the local area, where we would all sit in a circle and have a singsong. Personal favourites were hit tunes ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’, ‘Baa Baa Black Sheep’, and ‘Three Blind Mice/Hot Cross Buns’.

Where did you grow up? Did you have access to classical music?

I count myself very lucky to have had a very musical upbringing. I grew up in Coventry, and my Mum being a clarinet and piano teacher, myself and both my siblings were all encouraged to take up musical instruments and navigate the traditional route of graded musical exams. Being around this sort of music from an early age has definitely informed my musical tendencies, although I didn’t actually take much self-motivated interest in ‘classical music’ until my last years of school, where I was lucky enough to be given a lot of opportunities to be a part of various music ensembles, playing a variety of music, which led to many multi-dimensional and broad-ranging performances.

What has been your most memorable performance so far?

One of my last performances at school was in the show ‘Les Misérables’, which I hold as a very cherished memory, as I really loved being involved in the school productions throughout my time there.
In terms of choral performance, I would say either singing Mahler’s 8th Symphony in 2020 or the Dream of Gerontius this year with the CBSO at Symphony Hall. I love how epic these choral works are, in their sheer volume, but also in their innate ability to make you feel as if you’ve been taken on a journey, even when you can’t articulate why.

What would your dream performance be?

To be in a West End musical, just for a little bit. Either that or singing with the King’s Singers.

What are you looking forward to with Genesis Sixteen?

I’ve found that the most exciting times in my life are those that involve meeting and getting to know new people. Having done week-long musical courses before, I know that these short and intense periods of time can bring people together really quickly, and that’s what I’m most excited about. I tend to ask a lot of questions, and I can’t wait to find out what has brought all the other members about their stories!

Outside of singing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I also play the trumpet – although I have a pretty on-off relationship with this instrument – and I want to learn a bit of jazz piano too, as I’m a sucker for harmony and think jazz music is a great way to explore that interest.
Outside of music, I’ve played tennis since I was 4 and I love the competitive aspect of sport in general, having been part of many sport teams at school. I’m also a keen linguist, and last year spent nine months living in Montpellier, France as part of my degree. My next targets are Spanish and Italian (and maybe German after that…)!

Are you still in education? Are you in any other young artists schemes?

I have just graduated from the University of Birmingham, with a degree in French and Music. From September this year, I’ll be at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire doing a Masters in Vocal Studies, which I can’t wait for!

Outside of performances with Genesis Sixteen, have you got any concerts coming up?

In July I sung at the BBC Proms for the first time, performing in Carmina Burana as part of the CBSO Chorus with the CBSO under Kazuki Yamada.